Pirates Move Second on 19 Points.
Ngwenya Hits Eight. Chiefs Draw Again.
Chippa’s First Win. Sekhukhune’s Comeback.

The top-two gap is one point. Orlando Pirates are unbeaten in seven, have conceded just one league goal all season, and scored four goals across two matches this week. Mamelodi Sundowns were not in action. The picture at the top is sharper than it has been all season — and it is only September.

Orlando Pirates 2–0 Durban City

Lebone Seema opened the scoring on 57 minutes — a right-footed finish from the right side of the box, assisted by Simphiwe Masilela. His first goal for the club in the league this season. Tshepang Moremi made it 2-0 on 69 minutes, a low finish to the bottom right from just outside the box (xG 0.08) that was harder to make look as easy as it did. Moremi rated 8.5 and was the match's best player. Sipho Chaine rated 8.1 — six saves kept the scoreline manageable in the first half when Durban created genuine chances.

Durban City had an xG of 0.88 and four shots on target — their best offensive output in several matches — but Khalil Ben Youssef's side are still struggling to finish. Their keeper Tashreeq Morris made six saves and rated just 5.0 — that sums up the night for a Durban side that kept Pirates honest but still left empty-handed. Pirates have now conceded just one goal in their seven league matches. Pirates: 7 clean sheets from 6 (one conceded total)

Richards Bay 2–3 Sekhukhune United

The match of the matchday, and one of the most dramatic of the season. Tshepo Mokoane gave Sekhukhune the lead on 10 minutes. Richards Bay had 16 shots, nine corners, an xG of 1.56 — and still trailed 0-3 going into the final quarter. Samba O'Neil made it 2-0 on 73 minutes before Ngoanamello Rammala completed what looked like a comfortable 3-0 win with an 89th-minute left-footer (xG 0.12 — a goal he had no right to score).

Then Nqaba Xulu arrived. Two goals in nine minutes: a right-footed finish on 77 minutes assisted by Moses Mthembu (xG 0.56), and another on 86 (xG 0.61). His 8.9 rating and 1.17 combined xG tell the story of the best individual performance of the matchday. It was not enough — Richards Bay lost 2-3 — but Xulu now has five league goals and suddenly looks like a serious Golden Boot contender. For Richards Bay, four losses from seven is a crisis. Richards Bay: 4 losses from 7 Xulu: 5 goals from 7 — Golden Boot watch

Polokwane City 0–1 AmaZulu FC

Thando Ngwenya in the 4th minute. A header from a set piece, xG 0.08 — a goal that was not supposed to go in and defined the entire match. AmaZulu sat on that lead for 86 minutes. Polokwane had 54% possession, 17 shots, 24 box touches, and an xG of 1.18 — but just one shot on target and an xGOT of 0.07. They hit the woodwork once and could not unlock a resolute Arthur Zwane defensive setup. Nkosikhona Radebe rated 8.5 with a crucial assist and strong defensive work. AmaZulu are third in the table. Ngwenya has eight league goals. AmaZulu: 3rd — 16pts from 7

Kruger United 0–1 Stellenbosch FC

Keanan Johannesen gave Stellenbosch the lead on 27 minutes with a right-footed finish from outside the box (xG 0.16, xGOT 0.80 — a shot that had serious pace). Kruger had 62% possession, nine corners, and an xG of 0.55 — they dominated the ball but created nothing of substance. Katlego Mohamme was sent off for Kruger on 77 minutes, reducing them to ten men for the final quarter. Sage Stephens made two saves and rated 7.9 as Stellenbosch's best player in a match they largely controlled. Three points and a second consecutive win for Gavin Hunt's side. Stellenbosch: 2 wins in a row — 9pts

Golden Arrows 0–0 Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs had 60% possession, an xG of 1.56, three big chances, and hit the woodwork. They scored zero goals. Fernando da Cruz's side have now drawn four of their seven league matches and are dropping points against sides they should be beating. The xGOT of 0.82 to Arrows' 0.24 shows this is not a performance issue — the finishing is. Lebohang Maboe had an xG of 0.84 from one attempt and still could not convert.

Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa was exceptional: rated 8.3, the match's best player, making saves that kept Chiefs at bay. Arrows themselves had a big chance through Junior Dion (xG 0.57) that he missed at the end. A draw that benefits neither side, but does more damage to Chiefs, who have slipped to fourth and are now six points behind Pirates after Pirates won twice this week. Chiefs: 4 draws in 7 — 4th place

Marumo Gallants 0–2 Orlando Pirates

Thapelo Mokobodi was the best player on the pitch at 9.2 — two assists and the architect of both goals. His creativity from deep created the openings that no Gallants defender could track. Kabelo Kgositsile took his chance on 32 minutes, finishing from inside the box off a Mokobodi pass (xG 0.54, xGOT 0.86). Nkosinathi Sibisi headed in from a corner on 74 minutes (xG 0.35, xGOT 0.94). Gallants had four shots, zero on target, an xGOT of exactly 0.00. They are five losses from seven. Phuti Mohafe is under serious pressure.

For Pirates, this is a statement result. Six wins from seven. A goal difference of +15. One point behind Sundowns with a game potentially still in hand depending on fixture scheduling. Sipho Chaine rated 7.0 on a night when he barely needed to be tested. The most complete team in the division right now. Pirates: 19pts — GD +15, 1 behind Sundowns

Milford FC 1–1 Durban City

Mvelo Zikakayo gave Milford the lead on 38 minutes. Five minutes after the restart, Luphumlo Sifumba equalised with a right-footed free kick (xG 0.05) that found the corner against the run of play entirely. Milford had 36 box touches, an xG of 1.89, and missed two big chances. They also had an xGOT of 1.56 to Durban's 0.43. Durban keeper Tashreeq Morris made four saves. The stat that captures this match: Milford outperformed Durban in every attacking category and came away with one point because of a set-piece goal with an xG of 0.05. Milford: 3rd draw from 8 — dropped 4pts against Durban in this MD

TS Galaxy FC 0–1 Chippa United

Seven matches. Five draws, one loss, and finally — a win. Harold Majadibodu scored in the 62nd minute from a set piece (xG 0.25) and that was enough. Abbubakar Mobara rated 8.1 with a key defensive display and an assist. Chippa had 14 shots to Galaxy's five, an xGOT of 0.51 to 0.03, and completely controlled the second half. Galaxy hit the woodwork once but created almost nothing of substance across 90 minutes. Victor Letsoalo had just four touches in the box and an xG of 0.11 — his drought continues.

Brandon Truter finally has his first league win of the season. Chippa have eight points from seven matches — that is a perfectly viable mid-table position for a side that has been through months of frustration. They remain the only side in the division yet to lose two matches. Chippa: First Win — 8pts from 7 Letsoalo: No goal in 5 matches

2026/27 Table — After Matchday 7

⚽ Golden Boot — After Matchday 7